Peter McVitie

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has finally broken his silence on the shock deadline day reports linking Sandro Tonali with a move to Arsenal. The Magpies boss faced uncomfortable questions on Tuesday regarding whether the sudden speculation signals the start of a destabilising campaign, drawing parallels to the long-running saga that ultimately saw Alexander Isak leave St James’ Park for Liverpool last summer.

Wrexham icon Elliot Lee has seemingly taken a parting dig at manager Phil Parkinson following his deadline day loan move to Doncaster Rovers. The midfielder, who was instrumental in the club's rise, admitted he felt undervalued at the Racecourse Ground after being frozen out of the Championship squad this season, sparking intense debate among the fanbase.

Bayern Munich have been dealt a potentially massive blow ahead of their crucial Bundesliga showdown with Hoffenheim after confirmation that talisman Harry Kane has missed training. The England captain is suffering from illness, casting serious doubt over his availability for a fixture that could prove important in the race for the German title this weekend.

Former Manchester United and Portugal winger Nani has had his say on some of the top attacking talents in European football, offering his backing to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antoine Semenyo. The four-time Premier League winner was eventually forced to choose his ultimate forward in a bracket that included Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham and Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal - scroll on to find out who won!

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has reignited the fierce war of words with bitter rivals Real Madrid, publicly mocking the penalty that gifted Kylian Mbappe a late winner against Rayo Vallecano. The outspoken Catalan chief was spotted openly ridiculing the decision, labelling the incident a "dive", suggesting that Alvaro Arbeloa's side are benefitting from favourable officiating as tensions between the two clubs reach boiling point.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke watched on with pride as his son, Luis Engelns, secured a significant career step by completing a deadline day transfer to the German top flight. The 18-year-old midfielder has left 2. Bundesliga side Paderborn to join high-flying Hoffenheim, where he will initially continue his development within their renowned youth setup before pushing for a place in a squad currently chasing the Bundesliga title.

Crystal Palace have been accused of showing a "complete disregard" for player welfare following the dramatic late collapse of Dwight McNeil’s proposed transfer from Everton. The winger’s partner, Megan Sharpley, has issued a scathing condemnation of the London club, accusing them of "toying" with McNeil's mental health after they pulled the plug on a £20 million deal without explanation, despite a deal sheet being submitted and a medical completed.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked fresh controversy by declaring that Russia’s ban from international football should "definitely" be lifted. In a wide-ranging and explosive interview, the Swiss official argued that the exclusion has failed to achieve its goals and has only created "frustration," while also doubling down on his decision to award United States president Donald Trump a bespoke "peace prize."

Mikel Arteta has launched a staunch defence of his Arsenal side, dismissing claims from Paul Scholes that they would be the "most boring team to win the Premier League." On the eve of a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea, the Gunners boss laughed off the criticism, insisting that outside of the UK, his team is widely regarded as "the most exciting in Europe" thanks to their prolific goalscoring record and defensive dominance.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has confirmed that teenage sensation Estevao Willian remains a major doubt for the upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Arsenal. The Brazilian has been granted compassionate leave due to personal reasons, with Rosenior refusing to put a timeline on his return. Meanwhile, Jamie Gittens is also facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury against West Ham.

Tyrell Malacia’s nightmare spell at Manchester United has taken a chaotic and bitter turn after the club blocked his proposed exit to Turkey while he was literally waiting to board his flight. The Dutch defender has been left "furious" and in a state of total disbelief by the 11th-hour U-turn from technical director Jason Wilcox, which traps him at Old Trafford despite him having no apparent prospect of first-team football.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been urged to consider a shock move to Major League Soccer, but not merely to extend his playing career. A leading football finance expert believes the Portuguese icon is "pretty enough" to successfully launch a second career in Hollywood, suggesting a strategic switch to California could be the perfect bridge to enhance his global superstardom after hanging up his boots.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds has reached out across the football divide to send a touching message of support to crisis-club Sheffield Wednesday. Following the Red Dragons' victory at Hillsborough, the Hollywood star took to social media to celebrate the three points but reserved special praise for the Owls, acknowledging their fight for survival amidst administration heartbreak.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen faces a potential career crossroads after suffering a severe hamstring injury just two matches into his loan spell at Girona. The German goalkeeper is staring at a layoff of at least two months, with fears growing that surgery may be required to repair the damage. Barcelona and Girona are now in urgent talks regarding the termination of his loan agreement, leaving the Catalan club scrambling for a replacement before the window shuts.

Chelsea have launched a frantic late attempt to sign Nantes sensation Tylel Tati after losing out to Liverpool in the race for Jeremy Jacquet. The Blues have tabled a verbal offer worth €30 million (£26m/$36m) for the 18-year-old defender, intending to loan him straight to Strasbourg, but face a race against time to convince the "thoughtful" teenager to rush a decision before the window slams shut.

Chelsea have executed a swift and ruthless strategic manoeuvre in the transfer market, recalling Aaron Anselmino from Borussia Dortmund and diverting him to sister club Strasbourg. The decision comes amid reports that the Blues were furious with the German giants for allegedly attempting to "tap up" the young defender and convincing him to push for a permanent exit from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are set to execute a complex triple transfer shuffle with sister club Strasbourg as the January window reaches its climax. The Blues have decided to recall highly-rated defender Mamadou Sarr, viewing him as a key part of their long-term project. In a direct exchange of resources, Argentinian prospect Aaron Anselmino and striker David Datro Fofana will head to France on loan for the remainder of the campaign to aid the Ligue 1 side.

Liverpool supporters could be forgiven for thinking they were watching a ghost of Anfield’s past during Saturday’s 4-1 demolition of Newcastle. Hugo Ekitike’s electrifying performance, capped by a goal that was the mirror image of a famous Fernando Torres strike, has sparked a wave of nostalgia on Merseyside. Even club legend Steven Gerrard joined the chorus of praise, admitting the French forward’s "pace and power" remind him of his former Spanish teammate "every time I watch him."